Next level trimaran

New York-based shipyard VMG is rethinking modern performance cruising and targeting adventurous owners with its latest trimaran concept built for speed, range and simplicity.

20 July 2026

Further details of the VMG 53 have now been unveiled with the 16-metre high-performance luxury trimaran designed to combine responsive sailing, long-range capability and practical short-handed operation.

The first unit is under construction and scheduled for delivery in January 2027.

VMG, short for Velocity Made Good, was established by an international team of sailors, designers and marine industry specialists. Its first model is intended to challenge conventional multihull layouts through a tightly integrated approach to exterior design, propulsion, sail handling and life on deck.

The 16-metre VMG 53 combines a sculpted trimaran form with an enclosed cruising layout and short-handed sailing systems.

The VMG 53’s deck arrangement brings sail handling, navigation and social spaces into a closely integrated layout.

Integrated solar panels cover the VMG 53’s coachroof, complementing its centralised sail-handling layout and sheltered cockpit spaces.

“Designed to eliminate traditional compromises between performance, luxury and dynamic stability, it presents an exterior that is disruptive, purposeful and timeless, underpinned by an innovative deck and propulsion layout engineered for confident short-handed sailing,” said VMG founder and principal Michael Schwartz.

Sculpted exterior design

The VMG 53’s exterior is characterised by flowing surfaces and minimal flat planes, creating a streamlined profile while concealing substantial internal volume.

Hull number one will feature a colour-shifting finish that moves from deep green to golden bronze as the light changes. The palette has been developed to complement the cork, eucalyptus timber and bronze detailing used throughout the interior.

This continuity between exterior and interior reflects VMG’s broader design philosophy, with materials, colours and functional elements considered as part of a single visual language.

Enclosed tender garage

A fully enclosed tender garage is positioned in the stern of the central hull, preserving the trimaran’s profile while improving weight distribution and protecting the tender.

The garage has been designed around a custom carbon-fibre tender powered by ZeroJet and finished to match the VMG 53. A bespoke cork bumper reinforces the visual connection between tender and mothership.

A wireless lanyard enables the transom door to be opened remotely, allowing the owner or captain to connect the winch and charging system from a secure position before launch or retrieval.

The jet propulsion arrangement removes the need to handle an outboard during deployment. A petrol-powered alternative with an integrated sliding outboard mount will also be available.

Water toys and personal equipment are housed separately in an Adventure Locker, which also extends the port-side suite.

Twin-engine propulsion

Rather than using a single engine in the central hull, the VMG 53 places one 57 hp engine in each outer hull.

The twin-engine configuration is intended to provide precise manoeuvrability in port, improved redundancy and efficient cruising under power.

When sailing conditions allow the windward hull to lift, one engine can be used in conjunction with the sails while the second is raised clear of the water to reduce drag.

VMG says studies by VPLP have confirmed strong manoeuvrability and meaningful weight savings compared with more conventional propulsion arrangements.

Viewed from above, the VMG 53’s three-hull platform and integrated deck layout are designed to support efficient, high-performance cruising.

The VMG 53’s broad stern incorporates stepped access to the water and a central enclosed tender garage.

The VMG 53 combines sculpted hull forms, expansive trampolines and a powerful sail plan for fast, long-range cruising.

Centralised sail handling

The sail pit forms the operational centre of the VMG 53’s deck layout, bringing all primary sail controls into one position for single- or double-handed sailing.

The mainsheet and daggerboard are operated through a line driver, while the staysail uses a captive winch. Manual redundancy is incorporated into each critical function.

The sail pit also serves as a social space and sits within two metres of the on-deck owner’s suite. The forward central helm and navigation station are positioned between the two, creating a compact arrangement that links sailing, navigation and accommodation.

Pass-through and communication hatches connect the sail pit with the galley and navigation station, reducing unnecessary movement around the deck while underway.

Multiple helm positions

The forward central helm has been developed around visibility, protection and access to the yacht’s primary operating systems.

Its position provides direct sightlines to the sail pit while keeping the navigation station and sail controls within immediate reach.

The VMG 53 also offers an aft windward helm for use in favourable conditions, allowing the helmsman to sail from a more exposed position while the windward hull is flying. In heavier weather, the forward helm provides greater shelter and stability.

To address visibility around the on-deck owner’s suite, the design incorporates a system providing 360-degree vision across deck level.

The helm is equipped with twin Nemesis displays, a cantilevered wheel and two interchangeable seating options: a leaning post for active sailing and a supportive captain’s chair for longer passages and night watches.

By combining an enclosed tender garage, twin-engine propulsion, centralised sail handling and multiple steering positions, the VMG 53 is intended to offer a more connected and adaptable approach to high-performance cruising.

Key details

VMG 53

Builder: VMG
Type: High-performance luxury trimaran
Length: 16 metres
Propulsion: Twin 57 hp engines
Helm positions: Forward central helm and aft windward helm
Tender: Custom carbon-fibre tender with ZeroJet propulsion
Key feature: Centralised sail pit for short-handed sailing
First delivery: January 2027
Headquarters: New York, United States